WRITTEN BY MARA FASANO

By 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population will live under water-stress conditions.

Water scarcity happens because there isn’t enough clean water for everyone. Even though there’s plenty of freshwater on Earth for seven billion people, it’s not spread evenly. Much of it is wasted, dirtied, and managed in a way that won’t last. This is why it’s important for companies and consumers to be conscious of their water use.

The average beauty product often contains 60% to 95% water, which depletes this vital resource. This ingredient, known as the “universal solvent,” can be mixed with thicker ingredients to help create emulsions used to form creams and lotions. Additionally, water is important in extracting and manufacturing many raw materials, often in combination with other solvents like ethanol or glycerine.

This article will explain waterless beauty and its benefits and share practical tips to make the switch.

What are Waterless Cosmetics?

Also known as water-free or anhydrous beauty, the waterless method became popular in South Korea in 2015 before gaining popularity worldwide.

This refers to cosmetics and skincare products formulated with little or no water. The principle behind them is to reduce or eliminate the water content, preventing dilution of the active ingredients in the formulation and enhancing the performance of cosmetic formulas.

Companies can replace water from vegetal sources during production, such as coconut or rose water or plant juices like aloe vera. These products harness the power of nature, utilizing plant extracts, oils, and natural humectants to deliver deep hydration and nourishment for the skin. Among the natural ingredients used is hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant found in the fruit and leaves of the olive tree. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, hydroxytyrosol acts as a powerful free radical scavenger, helping to shield the skin from harm caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.

Why Choose Waterless Skincare Products?

When water is not used in formulation, our skin makes the most out of the active ingredients. These are some benefits you can have from using waterless products:

Skin Health Benefits

Thanks to their highly concentrated formulas, waterless beauty products are enriched with potent and effective ingredients that produce noticeable and effective results. For example, waterless products which contain hydroxytyrosol are great for delivering active ingredients to your skin. Also, if you have dry or sensitive skin, the concentrated formula will give you good moisturisation and soothing effects without irritating your skin.

Longer Shelf Life

Opting for waterless beauty products can offer a prolonged shelf life compared to their water-based equivalents. The absence of water significantly decreases the likelihood of bacterial growth and contamination, ensuring that your products remain usable for an extended period.

Tip: allowing solid beauty bars to fully dry before storing them in a dry dish or container can help prevent contact with water and maintain the product.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Producing waterless beauty products allows companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Manufacturing and shipping waterless products require less water than water-based ones. By choosing waterless beauty skincare, you’re making a conscious decision to support eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

Tip: when you travel, solid and powder cosmetics can be very convenient because they are not restricted by the size limitations of liquid formats.

Less Consumption for Cost Savings

Achieving higher product performance reduces the amount of product needed, contributes to more sustainable cosmetic use, and minimises product waste, leading to cost savings. Also, some brands claim their solid formats contain two to three times more content than their liquid ones.

How to Make the Switch to Waterless Beauty Products?

If you’re inspired to make the switch to waterless beauty products, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Assess Your Current Routine

Before you fully commit to waterless beauty products, take some time to review your current skincare routine. Look for any water-based products and find out about alternative waterless options. This will give you a better idea of the adjustments you’ll need to make and help you set reasonable expectations for your new routine.

2. Start Small

Add one or two new products into your daily routine. For example, you could start with a waterless shampoo bar, a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid shampoos, or a solid moisturizer, an effective and mess-free addition to your regimen. By starting with these products, you can evaluate their impact and decide how they fit into your daily personal care.

3. Read Labels

When selecting skincare or haircare products, prioritize those with oil, butter, and active ingredients at the beginning of the ingredient list. This suggests that these beneficial components are present in higher concentrations than water, often listed first in many water-based products.

4. Experiment and Adjust

Switching to waterless products introduces a different texture and necessitates new application methods. It’s important to give yourself the time to adjust and experiment to find the most effective approach.

5. Support Ethical Brands

When choosing, opt for brands that provide comprehensive information on the origins of their raw materials, the methods used in their manufacturing processes, and their overall dedication to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

The Future of Waterless Beauty Cosmetics

The shift to waterless beauty products is a big step towards sustainability in the beauty industry. The market is growing rapidly, driven by our increasing awareness of sustainability issues and a preference for high-performance skincare products.

Waterless beauty products can positively impact the environment while boosting your skincare routines. Whether you’re inspired by environmental concerns, skincare efficacy, or both, waterless beauty products offer a compelling solution that aligns with a more sustainable future. So, why not give it a go?